Native Plants What is an invasive plant A

Native Plants

What is an invasive plant? A plant which grows aggressively, spreads quickly, and displaces other plants. A non-native plant.

Why should we choose native plants? Because native plants are adapted to our climate they: • require lower maintenance • need less watering • need less pesticides to keep away bugs and disease • provide food and shelter to native animals

Why should we choose native plants?

Native Trees - Oak Trees Native to Baltimore County Appearance: 50 -70 feet tall, produces acorns, Where does it grow: requires a lot of space, moist soil Benefits: provides shade, acorns provide food for native animals Fun Fact: the white oak in the Maryland state tree

Native Trees - Maple Tree Native to Baltimore County Appearance: 33 -150 feet tall, dense roots Where does it grow: prefers deep, wet soil Benefits: caterpillar food

Different Maple Trees Red Maple Sugar Maple

Native Trees - White Walnut Tree Native to Baltimore County Appearance: about 60 feet tall, light grey bark, yellow green leaves, produces large seed pods Where does it grow: dry soil Benefits: forest covering, food for native species

Native Tree - Ash Tree Native to Baltimore County Appearance: about 50 -70 feet tall, grey bark, wide root system Where does it grow: Wet soil Benefits: fast growth, fall colors, rabbit food, rarely contracts diseases

Native Plants - Royal Ferns Native to Baltimore County Appearance: long leaves, about 36 inches tall Where does it grow: partial shade, very wet soil Benefits: ground cover

Native Grass - Autumn Bentgrass Native to Baltimore County Appearance: tall, flowers at end of stalk Where does it grow: dry or moist soil, wooded areas Benefits: habitat for animals

Native Grass - Blue Wood Sedge Grass Native in Baltimore County Appearance: ground covering, blue color tint Where does it grow: wet woodland Benefits: no insect or disease problems, easy to grow

More native plants in Maryland Native Plants by Region